Kona Coast: Morning Snorkel at Honaunau & Kealakekua Bay

Summary

Snorkeling the Kona coast’s bays with history, sea caves and local stories

You’ll ride a shaded boat down Kona’s southern coast, snorkel at both Honaunau Bay and Kealakekua Bay, hear local legends from your guide, and eat fresh wraps and fruit for lunch. Expect clear water, colorful fish right beneath you, and small moments of calm between stories and laughter—something you might want to hold onto after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of water against the hull — not loud, but steady, like someone drumming their fingers on a table. We set out from the dock a little later than I expected (which honestly was nice; I got to have coffee without rushing). The captain, Kaleo, tossed us a grin as he steered us south along the Kona Coast. There was this moment where the wind shifted and you could smell salt and something green — maybe seaweed or just that wild ocean air. I remember thinking how different it felt from Waikiki: quieter, less showy.

We stopped first at Puʻuhonua O Honaunau, which Kaleo called “The Place of Refuge.” He told us about old Hawaiian traditions — how people would swim here for forgiveness. I tried to picture it while I pulled on my snorkel gear (they hand out everything you need, sanitized and all). The water was so clear I could see yellow tang darting between coral heads before I even slid in. There was this one fish — don’t ask me its name — that kept circling my fins like it owned the place. At some point I just floated there watching sunlight flicker over rocks. It’s hard to explain but I felt oddly calm.

After snacks (fresh fruit and these wraps that tasted way better than they looked), we motored up toward Kealakekua Bay. That’s where Captain Cook’s monument is — white against all that green jungle. Kaleo pointed out black lava tubes carved into the cliffs; he joked about pirates hiding treasure there, though his crewmate Li rolled her eyes. We didn’t see any pirates but we did spot a turtle bobbing near the surface. My mask fogged up twice and Li showed me how to fix it with spit — apparently that’s still a thing.

I’m not sure what stuck with me more: the color of the water in those bays or just drifting in silence, listening to other people laugh through their snorkels. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Kona with snorkeling and local stories (plus lunch included), this is probably it. Sometimes I still think about that feeling of floating above coral while everything else goes quiet for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel Kona Coast bays and enjoy lunch

• Board covered boat on Kona Coast
• Snorkel at Puʻuhonua O Honaunau
• Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay
• Learn history from Captain and Crew
• Observe lava tubes and sea caves
• Enjoy lunch with wraps and fresh fruit

Top questions

How long is the Kona Coast morning snorkel tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours along the southern Kona Coast.

Which bays do you snorkel during this day trip?

You’ll visit Puʻuhonua O Honaunau (Honaunau Bay) and Kealakekua Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, sanitized snorkeling gear and flotation devices are included for all guests.

Are meals or snacks included during the trip?

Yes, each guest gets a sandwich box lunch plus snacks like fresh fruit and bottled water.

Do you get to learn about Hawaiian culture on this tour?

The captain and crew share stories about Hawaiian history and cultural sites along the route.

Is hotel pickup included in this Kona Coast snorkel tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the departure point for boarding.

What should I bring for this morning snorkel trip?

You should bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and maybe a dry bag for personal items.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or non-swimmers?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels; flotation devices are available but basic swimming ability is needed.

What’s included

Your day includes a seat on a shade-covered vessel cruising down Kona’s southern coast with all snorkeling equipment provided (sanitized masks, fins, flotation devices), bottled water to keep you hydrated under the sun, fresh fruit snacks plus your choice of sandwich box for lunch—just let them know if you want turkey, tuna, ham, roast beef or veggie when booking.